Ebrahim Tahasoni

Cert. TESOL, Academic IELTS 9.0

www.tahasoni.com

60 minutes

Two tasks

Task 1: a report

Describe a visual or a set of data

~20 minutes

150 words minimum (no maximum limit)

Task 2: an essay

Write about a given topic

~40 minutes

250 words minimum (no maximum limit)

60 minutes

Two tasks

Task 1: a letter

Write a letter using the prompts given

~20 minutes

150 words minimum (no maximum limit)

Task 2: an essay

Write about a given topic

~40 minutes

250 words minimum (no maximum limit)

Summarise the information

Select the main features

Report the main features

Make comparisons where relevant

Write at least 150 words

Graphs

Single-variable line graph

Graphs

Multiple-variable line graph

Charts

Single-variable bar chart

Charts

Multiple-variable bar chart

Charts

Comparison bar chart

Charts

Pie Chart

Table

Process Diagram

Map

Comparison maps

Map

Development map

Mixed or Combined Tasks

Tone/register

Formal

Informal

Given information

Setting

Recipient(s)

Salutation type

Bullet points: tasks

Introduce yourself

Offer information/opinion/explanation

Request information

Request action

Make suggestions

Express gratitude

Apologise

Opinion-Led Essay Give your own opinion on a given subject and support it

Argument-led Essay Discuss the two sides of an argument and then give your own opinion

on the subject

Mixed-Opinion Essay Answer two questions requesting your opinions on two aspects of a

subject

Problem or Issue Essay Answer two questions requesting your opinions on two aspects of a

subject

Four criteria: equally weighted

Task Achievement

Coherence and Cohesion

Lexical Resource

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

Covering the requirements of the task:

Appropriately

Accurately

Relevantly

Observing the minimum word count

Avoiding plagiarised responses

This is an information transfer task

Observing the requirements of the task:

Summarise by selecting and reporting the main

features

Make comparisons where relevant

presenting a clear overview

main trends

Differences

stages

Using factual information

Avoiding speculation

This task has a defined response

Observe the requirements of the task:

The context

The purpose

The functions

Observe letter writing conventions

Format

Register

Coherence

Organisation

Sequencing and progression

Paragraphing (bands 8 and 9)

Cohesions

Varied and appropriate use of

cohesive devices

Logical connectors

Pronouns

Conjunction

Range Level Flexibility Appropriacy and precision

Style Collocation Errors Word choice Spelling Word formation

Range

Variety

Complexity

Errors

Grammar as well as punctuation

Types: systematic or slips

Frequency

Effect on intelligibility

Four criteria: equally weighted

Task Response

Coherence and Cohesion

Lexical Resource

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

Covering the requirements of the task

Answer the question(s)

Give reasons

Give examples

From your knowledge

From your experience

Position

Relevance

Clarity

Focus

Main ideas

Focused

Developed

Present

Extend

Support

Avoiding over-generalisation

Coherence Organisation

Sequencing and progression

Paragraphing

Cohesions

Varied and appropriate use of cohesive devices Logical connectors

Pronouns

Conjunction